Christ on the cross unveils the identity and nature of God as one who reaches out to the other, even the enemy, and seeks reconciliation.

As ambassadors of reconciliation, we are given the vocation and task to embody this message in our words and actions. In so doing, we continue in the ministry of Jesus and “God makes his appeal through us” as ambassadors.

This is what people born anew, new creation people, look and sound like.

The essence of new creation people is to seek reconciliation and peace, which comes through forgiveness.

We seek to end the cycle of violence through forgiveness and reconciliation, rather than continue in the cycle of violence through revenge and retaliation.

The realness of reconciliation finds expression in our relationships with one another. The reality of forgiveness we experience with God through Christ, now finds evidence in all of our other relationships.

It is an embodied reconciliation.

The dividing wall is broken down, and we are all one in Christ.

This is our message, ministry, and mission in, to, and for the world.

Formed by peace prayers

I remember Brian Zahnd once made this statement as it relates to the purpose of prayer:

The purpose of prayer is not to get God to do what we want God to do. The purpose of prayer is to be properly formed.

May this prayer from St. Francis of Assisi become a daily reminder to be properly formed by Jesus' life, message, and ministry of reconciliation and peace. Recite it. Memorize it. Believe it. Embody it.

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

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About the author

Jeff is a columnist with ChristianWeek, a public speaker, blogger, and award-winning published writer of articles and book reviews in a variety of faith-based publications. He also blogs at jeffkclarke.com

Dear Readers:

If ChristianWeek has made a difference in your life, please take a minute and donate to help give voice to stories that inform, encourage and inspire.

Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable receipt. Thank you, from ChristianWeek.